USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1918 > Part 5
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830 97 73 25
$4,029,753 66
Non-Revenue.
Outlay appropriations
$143,388 41
Redemption of tax liens
2,522 59
$145,911 00
$4,175,664 66
Cash in office .
$1,235 90
Deposits in banks
238,760 26
239,996 16
$4,415,660 82
Revenue.
General expenses
$212,092 37
Trust Funds (Public)
2,300 54
Sundry persons
127 11
Non-Revenue.
Outlay appropriations
25,476 14
$239,996 16
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1918.
Cash
$239,996 16
partment
.4,101 00
Taxes, 1916
$1,416 92
1917
2,734 33
1918
365,013 39
369,164 64 12 67
Excise
Street Sprinkling, 1916
$0 50
1917
16 60
1918
8,145 35
8,162 45
Moth assessments, 1917
$5 60
1918
234 25
239-85
Highway assessments, 1917
559 67
1918
8,676 46
Sidewalk assessments, 1917
904 70
Sewer assessments, 1917 .
2,583 01
Metered water charges
27,560 51
Commonwealth of Massachusetts :- Benefits
80,261 53
Income tax, 1918
.
5,777 52
Grade Crossings
427 30
Carried forward
$748,427 47
.
9,236 13
Cash, advances, Poor De-
$214,520 02
81
TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES.
Brought forward
$364 09
$4,028,849 44
Library, S. Newton Cut-
ler.
50 00
Hunt, books ·
257 23
Pitman, art
139 40
Pitman, poetry .
20 25
Tellers' shorts and overs .
$4,029,753 66
Non-Revenue.
Outlay appropriations
$143,388 41
Redemption of tax liens
2,522 59
$145,911 00
$4,175,664 66
Cash in office
$1,235 90
Deposits in banks
238,760 26
239,996 16
$4,415,660 82
Revenue.
General expenses
$212,092 37
Trust Funds (Public)
2,300 54
Sundry persons
127 11
$214,520 02
Non-Revenue.
Outlay appropriations
25,476 14
$239,996 16
BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1918.
Cash
$239,996 16
Cash, advances, Poor De- partment
4,101 00
Taxes, 1916
$1,416 92
1917
2,734 33
1918
365,013 39
369,164 64
Excise
12 67
Street Sprinkling, 1916
$0 50
1917
16 60
1918
8,145 35
8,162 45
Moth assessments, 1917
$5 60
1918
234 25
239 85
Highway assessments, 1917
559 67
1918
8,676 46
Sidewalk assessments, 1917
904 70
Sewer assessments, 1917 . Metered water charges
2,583 01
Commonwealth of Massachusetts :- Benefits
80,261 53
Income tax, 1918
5,777 52
Grade Crossings
427 30
Carried forward ·
$748,427 47
9,236 13
27,560 51
830 97 73 25
82
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Brought forward
$748,427 47
Real estate liens
1,219 53
Interest (Reserved for
amount due on 1918
loans)
5,269 50
Trust Funds, Income :- School :-
S. Newton Cutler
511 29
Smith-Hughes
788 24
Library :-
S. Newton Cutler
26 11
Hunt, Art
314 29
Hunt, Art (principal) .
202 77
Hunt, Books
279 34
Pitman, Art
87 40
Pitman, Poetry
29 84
Wilder, Children's
11 26
Poor. Olive C. Cum-
50 00
2,300 54
Sundry persons
127 11
Tellers' shorts and overs
10 28
Temporary Loans
Funded Debt
Net Funded Debt, Bal-
ancing account
1,506,000 00
500 00 .
Overlay and Abatement,
1916
$1,416 92
1917
2,734 33
1918
22,006 30
26,157 55
Reserve Supplementary as- sessments : -
1916
$1,107 34
1917
399 80
1918 . .
707 04
2,214 18
Reserve Fund Surplus Ov- erlays
5,564 52
Excess and Deficiency
73,027 18
Trust Funds, School .
$5,000 00
Library
20,414 58
Poor
.
1,102 84
26,517 42
Trust Funds, Investment :-
School .
$5,000 00
Library
20,414 58
Poor
1,102 84
26,517 42
Outlay appropriations
25,476 14
$2,282,164 42
$2,282,164 42
mings .
609,000 00 1,506,000 00
Sale of land, Winter Hill
TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES.
83
The assessors' warrant for the tax levy, assessed upon polls and property, April 1, 1918, including non-resident bank shares, amounted to . .
and the tax rate established was $23.20 on each $1,000 of valuation, as follows:
$2,053,155 49
Real estate . $72,478,400 00
Personal estate
12,097,300 00 ·
Resident bank shares
63,580 00
Total valuation
$84,639,280 00
At a rate of $23.20 .
$1,963,631 30
Polls, 24,291 at $2 .
48,582 00
Non-resident bank shares to be paid
to the State (valuation $123,420.00) . 2,863 34
$2,015,076 64
Street sprinkling .
36,982 10
Suppression of moths
1,096 75
$2,053,155 49
Additional Assessments: -
Real estate, valuation $13,500 at $23.20
$313 20
Personal estate, valuation $11,200 at
$23.20 .
259 84
Polls, 67 at $2
134 00
707 04
Total commitments by assessors
$2,053,862 53
.
·
.
.
S1
ANNUAL REPORTS.
BONDS OUTSTANDING JANUARY 1, 1919, WITH INTEREST TO MATURITY.
Bonds
Interest
Water Loan Bonds
$6,000 00
$320 00
Emergency Loan Bonds
20,000 00
2,125 00
Metropolitan Park Bonds
11,000 00
2,310 00
Bridge Loan Bonds
31,000 00
16,817 50
Sewer Loan Bonds
280,000 00
85,731 25
City Loan Bonds
490,000 00
86,027 50
Municipal Loan Bonds
39,000 00
5,175 00
Highway Loan Bonds
327,000 00
35,865 00
Public Buildings Loan Bonds
302,000 00
100,465 00
$1,506,000 00
$334,836 25
MEMORANDUM OF PAYMENTS ON ACCOUNT OF DEBT, 1918.
Bonds, General City Debt .
Principal $246,500 00
Interest $65,972 50
Total $312,472 50
Bonds, Water
5,000 00
440 00
5,440 00
Temporary loans
48,543 91
48,543 91
· Grade Crossings
10,780 00
1,574 20
12,354 20
On Account of Metropolitan District Debt :-
Sewers
18,353 75
29,581 55
47,935 30
Park
3,624 31
12,100 24
15,724 55
Wellington Bridge .
1,265 00
379 50
1,644 50
Charles River Basin
265 20
3,060 30
3,325 50
Alewife Brook
818 39
379 55
1,197 94
Water
.
16,198 07
79,975 44
96,173 51
$302,804 72
$242,007 19
$544,811 91
Somerville's Proportion for Debt Requirements :-
In State tax
26,863 30
33,034 40
59,897 70
In county tax
3,687 48
3,396 36
7,083 94
$333,355 50
$278,437 95
$611,793 45
GRADE CROSSING DEBT (Carried by Commonwealth).
Decrees entered
$120,097 10
Paid Commonwealth
$105,708 86
Deduct interest included in above
19,291 76
86,417 10
Due
$33,680 00
Payable
Principal
Interest
Nov. 15, 1919
$10,260 00
$1,291 74
1920
8,280 00
891 80
1921
7,380 00
576 60
1922
4,380 00
294 40
1923
3,380 00
127 20
$33,680 00
$3,181 74
.
TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES.
85
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, 1918.
Appropriated in budget .
$17,050 00
Salaries :-
Treasurer and collector
$3,200 00
Deputy collector
1,600 00
Cashier
1,200 00
Clerks .
$6,162 82
Less service transfer 28 80
6,134 02
Stationery and postage .
2,101 69
Books and printing .
912 05
Carriage hire .
4 00
Telephone
155 53
Surety bonds
505 00
Advertising and recording tax sales
593 12
Sundries
121 11
$16,526 52
Balance
523 48
$17,050 00
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE. CITY OF SOMERVILLE.
School Committee Rooms, January 3, 1919.
Ordered, that the annual report of the Superintendent be adopted as the annual report of the Board of School Com- mittee, it being understood that such adoption does not com- mit the Board to the opinions or recommendations made there- in; that it be incorporated in the reports of the City Officers ; and that 1,000 copies be printed separately.
CHARLES S. CLARK,
Secretary of School Board.
87
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
School Committee, 1918.
GUY E. HEALEY
HERBERT CHOLERTON
Vice-Chairman
Members. EX-OFFICIIS.
Term expires January
CHARLES W. ELDRIDGE, Mayor, 47 Highland road 1919
JOHN M. WEBSTER, President Board of Aldermen, 76 Boston street
1919
WARD ONE.
DR. WINNIFRED P. DAVIS,
125 Pearl street 1919
JAMES J. RUDD,
46-A Franklin street 1920
WARD TWO.
88 Concord avenue 1919
19 Concord avenue 1920
WARD THREE.
21 Pleasant avenue 1919
69 Avon street 1920
WARD FOUR.
22 Walter street 1919
* ARTHUR N. RICHARDSON,
¡MRS. JULIA R. ALDRICH, MRS. BLANCHE E. HERBERT,
HARRY M. STOODLEY,
WARD SIX.
31 Rogers avenue 1919
38 Cambria street 1920
WARD SEVEN.
94 College avenue 1919
43 Ossipee road 1920
Superintendent of Schools. CHARLES S. CLARK.
Office: City Hall Annex, Highland avenue. Residence: 75 Munroe street.
The Superintendent's office will be open on school days from 8 to 5; Saturdays, 8 to 10. His office hour is 4 o'clock on school days, and 8:30 on Saturdays.
Assistant Superintendent of Schools. JOSEPH A. EWART.
11 Bigelow street.
Office hour: 3 o'clock on school days.
Superintendent's office force :- Mary A. Clark, 42 Highland avenue. Mildred A. Merrill, 26 Cambria street. H. Madeline Kodad, 1067 Broadway.
Board Meetings.
January 28. April 29.
September 30. December 27.
February 25. May 27.
October 28. January 3, 1919.
March 25. June 24. November 25. 8:15 o'clock.
* Resigned October 21.
Resigned July 15.
68 Bonair street 1920
WARD FIVE.
262 School street 1919
56 Dartmouth street 1919
283 Highland avenue 1920
GEORGE E. WARDROBE, *GUY E. HEALEY,
HERBERT CHOLERTON,
FRANK E. PORTER.
Chairman
CHRISTOPHER J. MULDOON, DANIEL H. BRADLEY,
OSCAR W. CODDING, ALFRED L. WEST,
FRANK H. HOLMES,
88
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Standing Committees, 1918.
Note. - The member first named is chairman.
District I. - Dr. Davis, Rudd, Muldoon.
PRESCOTT, HANSCOM, BENNETT.
District II. - Muldoon, Bradley, Codding.
KNAPP, PERRY, BAXTER.
District III. - Codding, West, Dr. Davis.
POPE, BELL, CUMMINGS.
District IV. - Holmes, Richardson, Mrs. Aldrich.
EDGERLY, GLINES.
District V. - Mrs. Aldrich, Stoodley, Richardson.
FORSTER, BINGHAM.
District VI. - Wardrobe, Healey, Stoodley.
CARR, MORSE, PROCTOR, DURELL, BURNS, BROWN ..
District VII. - Cholerton, Porter, Healey.
HIGHLAND, HODGKINS, CUTLER, LINCOLN, LOWE.
High School. - Bradley, Dr. Davis, West, Holmes, Stoodley, Healey, Cholerton.
Finance. - Stoodley, Rudd, Bradley, Codding, Richardson, Healey, Porter, Eldridge, Webster.
Text-Books and Courses of Study. - Muldoon, Dr. Davis, West, Mrs. Aldrich, Stoodley, Healey, Cholerton.
Industrial Education. - Holmes, Rudd, Muldoon, West, Richardson, Wardrobe, Porter.
School Accommodations. - Porter, Rudd, Bradley, Codding, Holmes, Mrs. Aldrich, Wardrobe, Eldridge, Webster.
Teachers. - Cholerton, Dr. Davis, Muldoon, Bradley, Healey.
Playgrounds and School Hygiene. - Wardrobe, Dr. Davis, Holmes, Richardson, Mrs. Aldrich.
Rules and Regulations. - Codding, Muldoon, Porter.
89
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
To the School Committee of Somerville :-
In accordance with your rules and regulations, I present the following report of the conditions of the public schools for the year ended December 31, 1918. The usual statistical tables showing the facts concerning enrollment and attendance of pupils and the cost of maintenance of the schools are sup- plied herewith.
Although forty-six annual reports of the schools of this city have been written, it is doubtful if the record of any other year presents such a variety and such a number of ex- traordinary acts as does the account for the year just closed. While the World War created for all communities exceptional conditions, and our city, like all others, shared in them, yet other happenings were sufficiently unusual to make this year a marked one in the history of our schools. For the sake of a record, it may be well to note briefly each of these uncom- mon occurrences.
First of all to be mentioned is the loss of school time through the enforced closing of the schools. Early in Janu- ary, because of the shortage of coal, it was necessary to close a number of schools for an indefinite period. This amounted to ten weeks in the case of some, while in the case of others, notably the High School, the closing was for only a short time. For the sake of saving coal, the sessions of the Evening Schools were omitted during the winter months, but they were resumed later in the year when the coal shortage was some- what relieved. Again in September it became necessary to close all the schools on account of the prevalence of the influ- enza. So menacing was the progress of this disease that all the schools of the city were closed for four weeks. Once more, as the old year draws to an end, it has been necessary to close the schools one week for the same reason. Thus, in one year, enforced closing of the schools amounted in all to more than two months.
Notwithstanding these losses, the Committee was glad to give two school holidays in November to celebrate the signing of an armistice whereby the fighting in the World War came to an end.
A second incident of unusual significance was the open- ing, in September, of the junior high school on Vinal Avenue. In this school were assembled the upper grade pupils of the Morse, Carr, Knapp and Bell schools. This event completed the provision of junior high schools for the whole city and
90
ANNUAL REPORTS.
changed, thereby, the character of the school organization. Since that event all of the intermediate classes have been as- sembled in junior high schools. The buildings heretofore known as Grammar Schools now contain classes of the first six grades.
At the same time another important change was ac- complished. For the first time two classes from the elementary schools were promoted to the high school simultaneously. The eighth grade was promoted to the high school in com- pany with the ninth grade. This act was in pursuance of a policy adopted by the School Board in 1910, to reduce the course of instruction below the high school from nine to eight years. By this means that policy was carried into effect and the total number of years in the school course was made twelve instead of thirteen. While there are now in the schools thirteen distinct classes, two of them are of identical grade, namely, the promoted eighth and ninth grades. When these classes have been graduated from the High School there will then be only twelve classes, corresponding to the twelve grades of the schools.
Other unusual circumstances during the year were as- sociated directly with the prosecution of the War. It was evident in the first year of the War that the youth of the country could lend valuable assistance to the home work of civilians in support of the war policy of the Government. This year, beginning early in the year, this help of the children was systematically organized in several important ways.
Early in the year Junior Red Cross auxiliaries were organized in all of the schools of the city with every pupil a member. Thus our city had the distinction of having 100 % membership in this organization. As an account of the work of these auxiliaries will be given elsewhere in this report, it is sufficient here to say that the pupils entered heartily into the undertaking and rendered valuable service in making articles and supplies that were needed for the use of soldiers. In addition to this aid, they themselves were benefited by the growth in patriotism and efficiency which this opportunity gave them.
The War Savings Stamp system was started early in the year. This method of saving superseded, for the time being, the school savings bank system which had been in very success- ful operation in our schools for a number of years. In a re- port printed at the end of the school year in June, giving the War Savings Stamp statistics of the public schools of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Somerville had 51 % of all of its pupils holding stamps, with a per capita holding of $3.28. This record puts our city at the head of the larger cities of the State, both in the percentage of pupils holding stamps and in the average amount for each individual.
91
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
Again this year there was a call for high school boys to work upon the farms. The Massachusetts Committee on Pub- lic Safety, cooperating with the United States Boys' Working Reserve, enrolled the boys of the High School for work during the growing season. This year arrangements were made for placing our high school boys in a camp in Sunderland, Massa- chusetts. This camp was under the supervision of two high school masters, Everett W. Tuttle and Guy C. Blodgett, and in it were enrolled fifty-one pupils. The boys stayed in the camp throughout the season and rendered service that was highly appreciated by the farmers of the neighborhood. In every respect the camp was a model of good behavior and efficiency. In addition to the boys in the camp thirty-eight others were placed upon nearby farms under the general management of Stephen H. Mahoney. In these two ways, therefore, high school boys served their country as members of the United States Boys' Working Reserve.
But the spirit of service was not confined to the boys. Early in the year several of the women teachers of the High School, believing' that girls could be profitably engaged upon farms, undertook to organize and place a group of high school girls in farm work. After many difficulties had been overcome, early in the summer season a camp was opened in Bolton in the Grange Hall of the Mechanics and Farmers Association where twenty-five high school girls lived under the supervision of Miss Elizabeth H. Hunt, a member of the High School faculty. These girls worked upon the neighbor- ing farms from that time until October 12. As an evidence of the value of their services can be cited the fact that the farmers of that vicinity are most anxious to have them return next year, While these girls have not had the patronage and support of the State and Nation which was given to the boys they have deserved none the less equal praise for the work which they did. So far as I know they constituted the first group of high school girls to be organized and maintained through the summer for work on farms.
Another distinguishing feature of the year was the im- provement of the physical training work in the High School. The plan proposed at the end of the last year was put into operation early this year. The use of the State Armory daily was secured for boys and of the Y. M. C. A. gymnasium for girls. An additional instructor in physical training was pro- vided for the girls of the High School. Daily and vigorous setting up exercises and a weekly drill in company formation and tactics were prescribed for all pupils. The work has been successfully conducted and has had gratifying results.
Two new buildings were completed during the year :- an addition of twelve rooms to the Bell schoolhouse was finished and occupied in September; a building 58 feet by 62 feet has
92
ANNUAL REPORTS.
just been completed on Glen street adjoining the Davis school- house. This will be used for an automobile shop. It is made of brick and concrete, is fire-proof, and has been designed especially for the work for which it is to be used.
In enrollment of pupils there has been slight change since last year. The average membership in December this year is 12,807 as against 12,989 last year. The present mem- bership is 13,074. There are employed now 418 teachers as against 423 employed in 1917.
Accommodations.
In order that the relation of schoolhouse accommodations to the present and future needs of the schools may be clearly seen it is necessary that the situation as a whole be surveyed and that not only what is now the condition in various parts of the system be noted but also the imperative needs of the near future growing out of the natural development of present undertakings be understood.
Concerning the High School it is to be said that the sufficiency of room for the work of the school which resulted last year from the operation of three junior high schools has been offset this year by the necessity of housing in that school one of the two freshman classes. The effect of this act is to restore to the High School the four-class organization with a resultant increase in the membership of the school. Next year the present senior class of the junior high school will join this class in the High School making a sophomore class of double size. This double class will continue through the next three years of the senior High School, each year being associated with two other classes. Therefore until this double freshman class is graduated from the High School in 1922 there will be no material shrinkage in the present size of that school. In September, 1922, the High School will again return to the basis of a three-class organization, and the school system will consist of twelve year groups or classes. whereas until then it will have thirteen. The membership of the school is now 1,749, a number too large to permit the best disposition of the undertakings of the school. but still not large enough to bring on the worst features of overcrowd- ing. It seems inevitable that this condition must be borne until 1922 and probable that it will not assume before that time the serious state of overcrowding that was the cause of so much complaint in 1915 and 1916.
Junior High Schools.
The Northern occupies all of the Folsom building in- cluding attic and basement and all but four rooms in the Forster, including the ward room. This school is overcrowded and is conducted at a disadvantage because of that fact. The
93
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
use of the four remaining classrooms in the Forster building would do no more than give it room better to conduct its neces- sary work. There are 624 pupils now in this school.
The Eastern Junior High School occupies the Southworth building and eight of the twelve rooms of the Prescott build- ing, an increase of three over last year. The school is filled by its present undertakings. Not an additional class can be organized without taking another room in the Prescott build- ing away from the elementary classes. There are 479 pupils in this school.
The Western Junior High School now utilizes both the new building (not named) on Holland street and the Hodg- kins building several rods away. In September seven rooms in the Hodgkins School which last year were used for ele- mentary classes were taken by the Junior High School. Both buildings are fully occupied, the new building being very much overcrowded. No additional class can be started here with a room to itself. There are 897 pupils in this school.
The Southern Junior High School is housed in the Bell School with its twelve-room addition and occupies the whole of the plant with the exception of the ward room. There are 690 pupils in this school.
Elementary Schools.
With the exceptions to be noted the elementary schools are much better off for room than at any other time in recent years. Sufficiency of room has made possible decreasing the size of many classes, thereby producing better conditions for pupils and teachers. This is notably true of the schools west of Central street. There are rooms enough in this sec- tion for all the elementary school pupils, although to use them fully it will not be possible in every instance to send chil- dren to the school of their preference.
From the Forster School east to Charlestown the con- dition is different. The Forster (elementary), the Edgerly, Glines, Hanscom, and Prescott (elementary) schools are full, practically to the limit. It is now a matter of careful consid- eration to place additional pupils anywhere in these schools. This is a serious condition, one requiring early study and at- tention. The elementary schools not included in the fore- going statements have room enough, one, the Knapp, at present having unused rooms.
Vocational Schools.
A new building containing one large room for an auto- mobile shop has just been added to the Boys' Vocational School. With the readjustments which will follow occupying this building the school will be well equipped to do its work.
94
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Vocational School for Girls. The decrease in enrollment in this school as a result of war conditions makes unnecessary consideration at this time of any increase in the size of the plant. The building is large enough for the present enroll- ment of the school.
This survey affords a background for several generaliza- tions. For years the School Committee has been urging the need of more accommodations. Two years ago there was severe complaint by citizens concerning the overcrowded condi- tion of the High School, and many of the elementary schools in the central and western parts of the city were cramped for room. The policy of establishing junior high schools was adopted in part for the purpose of relieving the situation by building in central locations in' the four sections of the city. Measurable relief has followed the adoption of the plan. Its failure is only in so far as building operations in connection with it have not been extensive enough. In my annual report in 1916 I stated the conviction that fifty more classrooms were then needed. Since then thirty have been provided. The other twenty are needed now.
Before leaving this subject I cannot forbear expressing the hope that the city will be able in the very near future to complete the new Western Junior High School building accord- ing to its complete plans. By this means we should have one new fully adequate junior high school building with the vari- ous provisions which a modern junior high school ought to possess. Here is an exceptional opportunity as we have the land and a workable building plan. When this is done the Hodgkins School building could be released for other purposes, perhaps as a substitute for the Highland School building.
Curriculum.
By reason of the elimination of the last or ninth grade of the elementary course which was effected last June the curriculum of the schools is now composed of twelve grades divided as follows : Elementary, six grades ; Junior High, three grades ; and High School, three grades. The eighth grade class last year was promoted to the same grade as the ninth grade. that is, to the grade equivalent to the first grade of a four- year high school. Under the junior high school system this grade is the last one in the Junior High School. To state the matter in another way the eighth grade pupils entered the High School at the same time as the ninth, though both groups under our new organization belong this year in the junior high schools as a senior class. However, inasmuch as the junior high schools had not room enough to hold both classes in addition to the others the ninth grade promotees were sent to the High School where they could be accommodated. In
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